Give Kids The World

Recently I was given the extraordinary opportunity to visit a place called Give Kids The World.  Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Kissimmee, Florida is this 51-acre, non-profit resort for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

For more than 4,000 families each year, GKTW provides a week-long dream vacation to Central Florida that includes accommodations, attraction tickets and meals at no cost to the family. The founder of the organization, Mr. Henri Landwirth, is truly an angel on earth.

GKTW works with more than 350 wish-granting organizations around the world such as Make A Wish, The Dream Factory, A Special Wish Foundation and many others to make a child’s wish of visiting Walt Disney World and other Central Florida attractions come true. But GKTW goes beyond the basics of a visit to Disney and free room and board. GKTW is a remarkable place where Christmas is every Thursday – complete with Santa Claus and a bag full of goodies -- and not one need is overlooked. Guests are even greeted with smiles at the airport by GKTW volunteers.

Give Kids The World also reaches out to children with life-threatening illnesses in the Central Florida area through its Kids Club Program.

I've heard so often how children witness the presence of angels. Is it because of their youth and their lack of skepticism that they truly believe? Or is it because their earthly spirits are still feeling the inner knowledge of their heavenly spirit? Were we all angels first and become angels last? I wonder sometimes how children have the wisdom of life that adults forget.

The adults at GKTW truly have not forgotten the wisdom and love of life that these  children  possess. And for all that the people behind GKTW give, their blessings are returned tenfold by seeing the happiness on the faces of the children they encounter.

GROWW will open its heart to the siblings of special-needs children and their parents to give them a place to share with others.  special.htm

While we continue to provide support these families, Give Kids The World will continue to make their dreams a reality. Please open your hearts to Give Kids The World. If you would like to learn more about Give Kids The World, please write to Give Kids The World, 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34746, or visit their website at http://www.gktw.org . If you have an opportunity to visit this place of vision, please bring tissues because I guarantee the tears will flow when you see this wonderland of wishes come alive.